Severn F Sprague (1897 - 1972)

Severn F Sprague’s biography is built and maintained by people like you. Create an online profile of Severn so that their life is remembered forever. If any factual information is incorrect, please edit Severn’s biography.

Pictures really do say a thousand words. Add photos of Severn during various points of their life.

1897 - In the year that Severn F Sprague was born, on September 21st, editor and publisher Francis P. Church responded to a letter to the editor from Virginia O'Hanlon, 8 years old. Virginia's father had told her that "If you see it in The Sun, it's so." So she wrote to the Sun, asking if there was a Santa Claus. Church responded with the now famous editorial "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus".

1912 - This person was just 15 years old when in October, former President Theodore Roosevelt was shot, but not killed, while campaigning for another term as President with the newly created Bull Moose (Progressive) Party. John Schrank was a Bavarian-born saloon-keeper from New York who had been stalking Roosevelt when he shot him just before a campaign speech. Shot in the chest (and showing the audience his bloody shirt), Roosevelt went on to give a 55 to 90 minute talk (reports vary on the length) before being treated for the injury. After 8 days in the hospital, Roosevelt went back on the campaign trail.

1915 - By the time this person was 18 years old, the Germans first used poison gas as a weapon at the second Battle of Ypres during World War I. While noxious gases had been used since ancient times, this was the first use of poisonous gas - in this case, lethal chlorine gas - in modern war. Subsequently, the French and British - as well as the United States when they entered World War 1 - developed and used lethal gas in war.

1957 - This person was 60 years old when on October 4th, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik I, the first man made earth-orbiting satellite - and triggered the Space Race. Sputnik I was only 23 inches in diameter and had no tracking equipment, only 4 antennas, but it had a big impact.

1972 - In the year of Severn F Sprague's passing, on November 7th, Richard Nixon won re-election, amidst the dawning knowledge of the Watergate scandal, by 60.7% to anti-war candidate George McGovern's 37.5%.

Who was Severn’s parents? Did they get married and did they have children? Share Severn’s family tree to share their legacy and genealogy pedigree.

What do you remember about Severn F Sprague? Share your memories of special moments and stories you have heard about them. Or just leave a comment to show the world that Severn is remembered.